4 Habits That Will Benefit Your Children
The summer months, while private schools in Orlando are not in session, are generally regarded as family vacation time. Parents are often weary of the constant barrage of requests from their children about whether they can buy this, go here, ride this, or eat out. The Diocese of Orlando has suggestions about presenting the concept of money to children along with other ideas on how your child can grow to be a productive citizen by developing positive habits now.
- Open Shop
Grab some oversized cardboard boxes and draw pictures of a produce stand, a toy store, a bank, or any other shop. Arrange your boxes along a road in your house, and walk to each vendor. Use play money to buy different items after giving your children a set amount of funds. They will learn how to decide how to spend their money and how much to save for later. If you use coupons when you grocery shop, have your child clip coupons and compare prices. Are the coupons worthwhile? Why or why not? As an incentive, give your child half the money that the coupons saved. For older children, have family meetings to decide how to spend the money you have dedicated to summer vacation. Do you want one long trip or a few shorter ones? A trip to Grandma’s or to a theme park? If less money is spent than budgeted, consider buying an iPad or another much longed-for device for your children.
- Communicate
Children tend to ask questions whether you are sitting quietly or talking with others. Teach your child to wait before blurting out a question, or, if it is important, to politely say, “Excuse me.” When speaking with others, show your child how to make eye contact, smile, and not to speak until the other person has stopped talking. Learning to introduce yourself is a fantastic habit and may require practice.
- Pray
When your child watches you pray before meals, in the morning, before bed, or when prayer is needed, it forms a familiar and easy habit. It does not take long to pray, and the feeling of gratitude and relief after praying will help your child recognize the importance of prayer.
- Eat Healthy Foods
The types and amounts of food your child consumes now contribute to the choices he or she will make in the future. If your household contains healthy fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and balanced meals, eating a well-rounded meal will be a natural choice. Keep empty calories such as cookies or candy to a minimum.As with most habits, practice makes perfect. Be a role model to your children; you are their first teacher, and they look to you for guidance and praise. Help them form these habits, and give them plenty of positive reinforcement when they attempt or complete these. Our blog page has information on more methods of reinforcing positive behaviors, and our private schools in Orlando teach these and more life skills. Call the Diocese at 407-246-4903 to ask about our faith-based curriculum and how to enroll your child for next year’s exciting school adventure!